Morris County Roofers: Article About Living Roofs

The roofing contractors from Peter W Smith Construction of Morris County, define a common term:Capillary break

A capillary break is a layer of hydrophobic material, such as metal, rubber or plastic, which stops the flow of capillary action. Capillary action is the flow of water against the force of gravity. Capillary breaks are important in certain green roofing designs to control the flow of water through layers of material.

Morris County roofing contractors answer a FAQ:What is the cost of installing a living roof?

A living roof is expected to cost between $15 and $20 per square foot for all types of application. The majority of this cost is associated with the growing medium and the living plants that make the roof what it is. Beyond the installation, there will also be a variety of other maintenance costs not associated with other roof types such as watering and controlling the foliage growth.

Despite its relatively low tech appearance, modern living or vegetative roofs are advanced feats of engineering that ensure that natural beauty while providing protection equal or superior to any other type of roofing design. A living roof many be an ideal option for any low or gently sloping roof, and they are often part of a green or ecologically friendly building design. Morris County roofers familiar with living roofs can help a building owner decide if a living roof is right for their structure and budget.

A living roof is made of a complex system of layers that support the vegetation on top and protect the structure below. The common design has a top layer of soil or growing media followed by a filter fabric and drainage panel for proper water drainage. The next layers are insulation and a root barrier to prevent the vegetation from growing too far into the roof. This is followed by a capillary break. Below that is a final waterproofing membrane, such as rubber, and the substrate or roof deck. The exact materials used for the layers vary depending on the installer and the design.

The roofing contractors from Peter W Smith Construction of Morris County would be happy to answer any questions you have about roof replacement or gutters.

A special property of living roofs studied in urban environments is the reduction of the heat island effect. The natural condensation and evaporation that occurs with living roofs releases heat from the building, providing natural cooling. The plants also absorb sunlight that would otherwise be converted into heat.

There are many advantages to installing a living roof. The roof is highly insulating and extremely resistant to weather and water intrusion when properly installed. It presents a unique aesthetic quality achievable with no other roof type. Since the roof absorbs a great deal of water, it can prevent flooding or overflow problems common with many other types of roofs.

Despite the many benefits, care should be taken before installing a living roof. Living roofs do come with their own list of maintenance requirements and cannot be ignored. True to its name, a living roof must be kept alive during dry summer months. This could mean additional costs for water to irrigate the roof. A living roof is also costly to install, and there is often little financial incentive to install a living roof instead of another type of roof unless some outside incentive, such as a tax break, is offered. Some cities may offer incentives, and a local contractor will be familiar with any such offerings.

Contact Peter W Smith Construction today

For your free consultation, please call us today at (973) 334-0308 or submit the form below.